BE SQUARE: What if you could get a structured bag without the stiff, stitched bottom? Somehow, Nine West was able to create an almost cube-like handbag in its Patty Large Tote ($70), without the uncomfortable, boxy frame of typical stand-up bags.

SKYLINE VIEW: Patchwork usually evokes images of prairies and covered wagons. If you're talking about the Lucky Road Rebel handbag ($229) at Macy's, though, the teal, fuschia, red and grey suede patches will have you thinking of city skyscrapers and bright lights instead.

NEW MOON: After a few years of soft, unstructured bags, it's nice to find one with a little backbone (or back zipper). The Dooney & Bourke Croco Luna bag ($265) at Nordstrom is just such a style. It has a sleek, deliberate half-moon shape and comes in six shades of oversized faux croc embossed leather.